George Town - Clearance

See the general Cayman Islands Formalities page for full details.

Port security operate on VHF channels 16 & 14 and work efficiently 24 hours a day. Call them for clearance instructions when approaching George Town.

This port is very busy with cruise ship traffic and shuttle boats.

A Harbour Patrol boat will meet and escort you to the Customs dock to complete customs and immigration formalities.  (see photo below courtesy of Brian Simm).   It is possible to request permission to check in from a mooring, rather than go alongside the dock, due to a nearby coral head which is above water. Cruisers have reported being offered a lift to shore by the authorities.

Boats must arrive with an outbound clearance from their last port of call. Even if you have checked in at Cayman Brac you must do all the paperwork again for customs.

Cruisers report no charge for Visas (30 days).

Officials are reported to be very polite, helpful and friendly.

Clearing out can be done on shore and all the crew must attend.

Cruisers have reported being fined for failing to fly the "Q" flag upon arrival, dropping an anchor on coral (you must anchor in sandy spots only), or failing to report directly and immediately to George Town (unless advised otherwise by George Town Security).

If any cruise ships have recently arrived, yachts will need to wait until they have been cleared first.

If there is a strong northwesterly wind, then the Authorities may direct you to anchor at Spotts Bay on the southern side of the island (be sure to avoid anchoring in coral!)

Last updated:  February 2023